Expert Answer

The tomato, with its ripe fruit as the main edible organ, can be used as both a fruit and a vegetable. Tomato fruit is not only a good appearance, can be ornamental, but also rich in nutrients, with a special flavor. It has been determined that every 100 grams of fresh tomato fruit contains about 94 grams of water, about 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, vitamin C 20 to 30 mg, as well as carotenoids, mineral salts, organic acids and so on. Vitamin C and carotenoids are free radical scavengers. Tomato vitamin C content, higher than apples, watermelon and other fruits, regular consumption can meet the body's demand for vitamin C, while there is a certain anticancer especially for lung cancer has an effect; can also strengthen the spleen and stomach, in addition to the annoyance of moistening the dryness, this is because the tomato contains a greater number of malic acid, citric acid and other organic acids, which can soften the blood vessels, promote the absorption of calcium, iron, etc., to help gastric juices to digest fats and proteins. Lycopene, which is unique to tomatoes, is a natural pigment component in food and belongs to carotenoids in its chemical structure. Because it has been found to have antioxidant, mutation inhibition, reduce nucleic acid damage, reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention and many other effects, has been increasingly by the nutritional community's attention.

But it is important to note that unripe tomatoes contain an aragonine, which is a toxic substance that is harmful to the human body and can make the mouth bitter and the stomach upset after eating, and eating too much of it can lead to toxicity, and in severe cases can even cause death! Lobelia alkaloids in the immature tomatoes in high content, mature tomatoes in the content of very little, no toxic effect on the human body. So it is not advisable to eat too much unripe tomatoes, once because of the consumption of unripe tomatoes and poisoning, the light can drink some strong tea or light salt, sugar water for relief, if necessary, seek medical attention; if the serious poisoning, should be immediately sent to the hospital rescue.

Tipboard

Tomatoes have a high nutritional value, reasonable eating methods can improve its application value, and vice versa will destroy the vitamins and other nutrients in tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes are poisonous, it is recommended to eat less or do not eat.